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Info Boyne Valley Maps Boyne Valley Travel Boyne Valley Links Boyne Valley Cafes Boyne Valley Hire Boyne Valley Gallery Boyne Valley History Boyne Valley Waterford Greenway Western Greenway Carlingford Portadown Royal Canal Greenway Grand Canal Greenway Mullingar - Athlone Barrow Way Greenway Sallins Greenway Boyne Valley Midleton - Youghal Suir Blueway Limerick Greenway Tralee Greenway Killarney Cycle Routes Boyne Valley Cafes Cafes in Navan Enjoy a break before or after your cycle in Navan. Greenways Cafe Just off the greenway in Nobber village is the lovely Greenways Cafe. Serving food daily from 9-2:30. Linden Tree Cafe and Bakery Just over 1Km off the greenway at Whitewood rail station is this lovely cafe and bakery G'N'R Pop up cafe as you cross the old Whitewood rail station on the L74023 close to Kilmainwood village Doughty's Services Hub Your first stop after Navan offers a shop and cafe with takeaway food. Outdoor seating, parking and bike repair.

Info Boyne Valley Maps Boyne Valley Travel Boyne Valley Links Boyne Valley Cafes Boyne Valley Hire Boyne Valley Gallery Boyne Valley History Boyne Valley Waterford Greenway Western Greenway Carlingford Portadown Royal Canal Greenway Grand Canal Greenway Mullingar - Athlone Barrow Way Greenway Sallins Greenway Boyne Valley Midleton - Youghal Suir Blueway Limerick Greenway Tralee Greenway Killarney Cycle Routes Boyne Valley Greenway The Boyne Valley Greenway was constructed over several years and completed in 2024. It is 30 Kms in length and was originally a rail line between Navan and Kingscourt. Kingscourt was a centre for the mining of gypsum and this was transported by rail until road haulage took over and the line was closed in 1975. The factories in Kingscourt are world famous for their production of insulation products used in the building industry. The surface of the greenway is constructed of fine grit which is said to be a more sustainable material than asphalt. Many recent greenways have been constructed using fine grit. It is probably just a slightly slower surface for cyclists but safer as greenways are used by walkers and runners as well as cyclists and bikes can generally be more easily heard approaching. It is overall an excellent surface for cycling and very flat throughout its length. The River Boyne flows through this part of Ireland, famous for the Battle of the Boyne in 1690, see the History Section for more details. The route passes through counties Meath and Cavan. The route starts in Navan town and ends a few kilometres outside Kingscourt. Note that it is possible to cycle all the way into Kingscourt town but the final section is on a very busy windy road with a steep hill. There is a footpath and one could walk with the bike but that is not ideal. The route passes through several of the now disused railway stations but there is only one town on the route, Nobber which is 18 Kms from Navan. The Park Beo greenway hub, a cafe/ shop/ bike hire centre, is 8Km from Navan at Wilkinstown. It is 300m off the greenway on a cycle-friendly path. Leaving Ratholdren Road in Navan we cross the R163 just past Gibbstown station - 4 Kms A further 4 Kms we cross the R162 at Wilkinstown - 8 Kms Access to Park Beo is just up ahead. Crossing several small roads we pass Castletown village, under the N52 bridge - 14 Kms 2 Kms later we cross the R162 - 16 Kms Crossing another small road, the village of Nobber is just 2Km up ahead - 18 Kms After another 3.5Kms, we pass Whitewood Lake on our left - 21.5 Kms Another km ahead we pass the pretty Whitewood railway station at Kilmainhamwood - 22.5 Kms Continuing on we cross the R162 - 25 Kms Leaving Co. Meath for Co. Cavan, after 3 Kms we cross the Enniskeen road - 28 Kms Crossing the R165 before reaching our destination at the old disused Kingscourt station - 30Kms Boyne Visitor Centre Drogheda to Battle of the Boyne Visitor Centre There is a separate short 4 Km greenway from Drogheda town to the Battle of the Boyne Visitor Centre west of the town. The Battle of the Boyne of 1690 is still commemorated to this day, particularly by the Protestant/ Unionist community in Northern Ireland, see the History page here for some further details. The greenway starts at St Dominic's Bridge which is a pedestrian bridge over the River Boyne in Drogheda town centre. It follows the southern bank of the river passing St. Dominic's Park on the left hand side. After 2.5 Kms it meets the Rathmullan Road, the Mary McAleese Boyne Valley Bridge is just in sight. Cycle under the bridge on a path at the side of the road. Use the footpath which is intended to be shared with pedestrians. Continue on alongside the banks of the river passing the Boyne Lock gates. The visitor centre is just 1Km ahead. It is planned to connect the Boyne Valley greenway at Navan to the Battle of the Boyne Visitor Centre. If visiting this area of the country, a must-see for visitors to Co. Meath is Newgrange , a world Heritage site. Newgrange is a 5,200-year-old Neolithic passage tomb in Ireland’s Brú na Bóinne complex, famous for its precise, dramatic alignment with the winter solstice sunrise, where sunlight illuminates the inner chamber. It is older than Stonehenge and the Pyramids.

Info Western Map Western Travel Western Links Western Cafes Western Hire Western Gallery Western History Western Waterford Greenway Western Greenway Carlingford Portadown Royal Canal Greenway Grand Canal Greenway Mullingar - Athlone Barrow Way Greenway Sallins Greenway Boyne Valley Midleton - Youghal Suir Blueway Limerick Greenway Tralee Greenway Killarney Cycle Routes History Great Western Greenway The Great Western Greenway in County Mayo, Ireland, is a 42-kilometer-long greenway rail trail that runs from Westport to Achill. Its history is a tale of transformation, from a Victorian-era railway to a modern recreational trail. The Railway Era The story of the Great Western Greenway begins in the late 19th century with the construction of the Achill extension of the Midland Great Western Railway. This line, known as one of the "Balfour Lines" after Arthur J. Balfour, the Chief Secretary for Ireland at the time, was built with state assistance to provide a railway to disadvantaged areas. 1894: The first section of the railway opened, connecting Westport to Newport. 1895: The line was completed, extending all the way to Achill. The railway brought significant social and economic benefits to the region, improving trade, tourism, and the postal system. It's said that over 1,000 men were employed in its construction. However, the railway's success was short-lived. With the rise of motor vehicles and an improved road network, passenger numbers declined, and the service was eventually terminated. Passenger services stopped in 1934, and freight services ceased in 1937. The tracks were subsequently removed and sold. The Modern Greenway Decades later, the disused railway line was repurposed, leading to the creation of the Great Western Greenway. The project was a collaboration between local and national entities, with funding from Mayo County Council, the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport, and Fáilte Ireland. Crucially, the project's success depended on the agreement of local landowners who granted permissive access for the trail. April 2010: The first section of the greenway, between Newport and Mulranny, was opened. July 2011: The full 42-kilometer route from Westport to Achill was officially opened. The greenway has been a major success, attracting a significant number of cyclists and walkers. It has won several awards and is recognized for its positive economic impact on the local area, inspiring similar projects across Ireland. Achill Island, the largest island off the coast of Ireland, has a rich and storied history spanning thousands of years. From ancient settlements to a prominent role in Irish folklore, the island's past is as rugged and captivating as its landscape. Early History and Ancient Settlements Human settlement on Achill Island dates back at least 5,000 years. Archaeological evidence, such as megalithic tombs and promontory forts, points to a Neolithic presence around 4000 B.C. These early inhabitants cleared forests for farming and left their mark on the landscape. During the Iron Age (c. 400 B.C.), the remains of forts along the coast suggest a period of increased settlement and conflict. The arrival of Christianity in Ireland around the 5th century A.D. is also reflected on the island, with ancient church sites and holy wells dedicated to 7th-century saints. Grace O'Malley and the O'Malley Clan Achill was once part of the ancient Kingdom of Umhall, and one of its most famous ruling families was the O'Malleys. The most renowned member of this clan was Grace O'Malley (Granuaile), the legendary "Pirate Queen." She was a fearless leader who controlled the waters of the western seaboard in the 16th century, imposing taxes on passing ships. Kildamhnait Castle, a 15th-century tower house on the island, is associated with her family. The Great Famine and the Deserted Village The Great Famine of the mid-19th century had a devastating impact on Achill. The "Deserted Village" at the foot of Slievemore mountain stands as a poignant reminder of this era. This village of about 80 stone cottages was abandoned as families were forced to emigrate or move closer to the sea for food. The cottages were later used as "booley houses" for seasonal grazing of cattle, a practice that continued until the early 20th century. The Railway and Tragedies In the late 19th century, a railway line was built to connect Achill to the mainland, opening up the island to more visitors. The line was part of a government initiative to aid disadvantaged areas. However, its history is marked by tragedy. A local prophet had foretold that "fire carts on iron wheels" would carry bodies to Achill on their first and last journeys. This prophecy came true when the first train carried the bodies of 32 young Achill people who drowned in the Clew Bay Drowning tragedy in 1894. The railway's last journey in 1937 also carried the bodies of ten young Achill people who died in a fire while working in Scotland. Here are some images of Achill Island's stunning landscape visitachill.com mybestplace.com destinationwestport.com Achill Island is known for its rich archaeological heritage, which includes a number of promontory forts. These forts, dating back to the Iron Age, are a testament to the long history of human settlement on the island. What are Promontory Forts? A promontory fort is a type of defensive structure built on a coastal headland or a steep cliff. The natural defenses of the sea cliffs protect the fort on three sides, and a bank or ditch is constructed on the landward side to complete the fortification. This strategic use of topography made them highly effective for defense with minimal construction. Achill's Promontory Forts Achill has multiple promontory forts, with one well-known example being the fort at Dun Bunnafahy (Dún Bun na Faiche), near Ashleam Bay. Key features of this fort and others on the island include: Defensive Walls and Ditches: At Dun Bunnafahy, a clearly evident ditch and a wall that can reach a height of approximately 6 meters from the bottom of the ditch can still be seen. Location: The forts are typically situated on narrow slivers of land jutting into the sea, providing natural protection. Archaeological Significance: Promontory forts on Achill and elsewhere in Ireland are a key part of the country's maritime and Iron Age history, indicating a period of expansion and conflict. The name "dún" (or "doon") in Irish placenames often signifies the presence of a fort. The presence of these forts, along with other archaeological sites like megalithic tombs and the Deserted Village at Slievemore, offers a glimpse into the island's past, from its earliest inhabitants to later medieval periods. https://barrysguidedtours.com/achill-island-promontory-fort/ https://achilltourism.com/experience-achill/history/

Info Killarney Map Killarney Travel Killarney Links killarney Cafes Killarney Hire & Repair Killarney Gallery Killarney History Killarney Waterford Greenway Western Greenway Carlingford Portadown Royal Canal Greenway Grand Canal Greenway Mullingar - Athlone Barrow Way Greenway Sallins Greenway Boyne Valley Midleton - Youghal Suir Blueway Limerick Greenway Tralee Greenway Killarney Cycle Routes Killarney Cafes Lord Brandon's Cottage The Black Valley Before your boat trip home, enjoy a break at this open air cafe. Only open in summertime. The Coffee Pot Gap of Dunloe Enjoy the home made foods at this lovely restaurant and coffee shop. Have a drink or browse the souvenir shop opposite in Kate Kearney's Cottage. Dinis Tea Rooms Dinis Island Stop for tea or coffee on your trip round the lake. Only open in summer time Muckross Garden Restaurant Muckross Park Enjoy this buffet cafe/ restaurant with views to the gardens and an associated craft shop.

Info Boyne Valley Maps Boyne Valley Travel Boyne Valley Links Boyne Valley Cafes Boyne Valley Hire Boyne Valley Gallery Boyne Valley History Boyne Valley Waterford Greenway Western Greenway Carlingford Portadown Royal Canal Greenway Grand Canal Greenway Mullingar - Athlone Barrow Way Greenway Sallins Greenway Boyne Valley Midleton - Youghal Suir Blueway Limerick Greenway Tralee Greenway Killarney Cycle Routes Travel Boyne Valley Greenway There is no rail access to Navan or any point on the Navan to Kingscourt greenway. The only public transport options to Navan are via Bus Eireann, see the transport section of the website here or visit the TFI website here . Note that Bus Eireann will take bikes but only is there is sufficient space in the luggage compartment. Bikes are not charged extra and it is not possible to make bookings in advance. For those wishing to hire bikes, see the Hire Section here. Those travelling by car and carrying their own bikes can start from many points on the greenway. There is parking at Blackwater Park on Rathholdren Road in Navan, Park Beo, Castletown, Nobber , Kilmainhamwood and at the end of the greenway outside Kingscourt. Navan to Park Beo - 8.5 Kms Park Beo - Castletown - 5 Kms Castletown - Nobber - 4.5 Kms Nobber - Kilmainhamwood - 4.5Kms Kilmainhamwood - Greenway end - 7.5 Kms Those starting from Navan can park at Blackwater Park on the Ratholdren Road in Navan. It is a short cycle from there to the start of the greenway a little further on the same road, see map below. Those starting from the Kingscourt side should park at the disused railway station 2 Kms from the town of Kingscourt, see map below. For those intending to cycle the Drogheda to Battle of the Boyne Visitor Centre, there is rail transport from Dublin to Drogheda. In addition, Expressway buses also stop in Drogheda. There is ample parking in the town but this is likely to have a cost. There is parking at Drogheda rail station.

Info Western Map Western Travel Western Links Western Cafes Western Hire Western Gallery Western History Western Waterford Greenway Western Greenway Carlingford Portadown Royal Canal Greenway Grand Canal Greenway Mullingar - Athlone Barrow Way Greenway Sallins Greenway Boyne Valley Midleton - Youghal Suir Blueway Limerick Greenway Tralee Greenway Killarney Cycle Routes Maps Western Westport - Achill

Info Western Map Western Travel Western Links Western Cafes Western Hire Western Gallery Western History Western Waterford Greenway Western Greenway Carlingford Portadown Royal Canal Greenway Grand Canal Greenway Mullingar - Athlone Barrow Way Greenway Sallins Greenway Boyne Valley Midleton - Youghal Suir Blueway Limerick Greenway Tralee Greenway Killarney Cycle Routes Bike Hire and Repair Western Greenway Bike Hire in Westport Provides bike hire and repair services. Also provides a shuttle to Achill to allow cyclists to start in Achill. Bike Hire in Westport Provides bike hire and repair service Bike Hire in Newport Provides bike hire rom several locations and also provides a shuttle service at Newport, Mulranny and Achill. Bike Hire in Westport Provides bike hire and repair from Westport. They also provide information on other on-road routes. Sea Breeze in Mulranny Bike hire directly on the greenway at Mulranny Station Bike Hire in Achill Provides bike hire and repair on Achill island. Perfect for cyclists wishing to explore the island.

Info Boyne Valley Maps Boyne Valley Travel Boyne Valley Links Boyne Valley Cafes Boyne Valley Hire Boyne Valley Gallery Boyne Valley History Boyne Valley Waterford Greenway Western Greenway Carlingford Portadown Royal Canal Greenway Grand Canal Greenway Mullingar - Athlone Barrow Way Greenway Sallins Greenway Boyne Valley Midleton - Youghal Suir Blueway Limerick Greenway Tralee Greenway Killarney Cycle Routes Boyne Valley Greenway

Info Boyne Valley Maps Boyne Valley Travel Boyne Valley Links Boyne Valley Cafes Boyne Valley Hire Boyne Valley Gallery Boyne Valley History Boyne Valley Waterford Greenway Western Greenway Carlingford Portadown Royal Canal Greenway Grand Canal Greenway Mullingar - Athlone Barrow Way Greenway Sallins Greenway Boyne Valley Midleton - Youghal Suir Blueway Limerick Greenway Tralee Greenway Killarney Cycle Routes Boyne Valley History The route follows the old Navan-to-Kingscourt railway line, once part of the Midland Great Western Railway network. The Midland Great Western Railway Company of Ireland (MGWR) was incorporated in 1845, during the great railway boom years. Its purpose was to connect Dublin with the west of Ireland, particularly Galway, through the fertile midlands. Before its formation, various local promoters had floated smaller schemes to link Dublin to Mullingar and beyond. However, it was the MGWR company—founded by Irish investors with British financial backing—that consolidated these efforts into a coherent plan. The Irish Parliament had been dissolved by this time, so approval came via the British Parliament under the Midland Great Western Railway of Ireland Act (1845). The Main Line: Dublin to Galway Construction began in 1846, starting from Broadstone Station, which became the company’s Dublin terminus. The line reached Enfield (1847), Mullingar (1848), Athlone (1851), and finally Galway (1851). The full Dublin–Galway line was about 126 miles (203 km) long. The MGWR became the first railway to reach the Atlantic coast of Ireland. The route passed through bogland and rural areas, requiring significant engineering feats — including cuttings, embankments, and viaducts such as the Shannon bridge at Athlone, one of the first major iron railway bridges in Ireland. The line transformed travel and trade between Dublin and the western counties, stimulating towns like Mullingar, Athlone, and Ballinasloe, and allowing agricultural goods and livestock to reach Dublin markets faster. The MGWR rapidly expanded its network through branch lines to reach smaller towns and rural areas. These served both passenger and freight traffic — especially livestock, turf, and minerals. The Clonsilla – Navan – Kingscourt line was added between 1862–1875 and served the Boyne Valley and gypsum works in Kingscourt. At its peak, the MGWR operated over 500 miles (800 km) of track, making it the third-largest railway in Ireland (after the Great Southern & Western Railway and the Great Northern Railway. By the late 1800s, the MGWR faced increasing competition from other companies like the Great Southern & Western Railway (GS&WR), which dominated southern routes and emerging road transport in the early 20th century. Despite this, the MGWR retained profitability through its livestock traffic, mail contracts, and tourist excursions to the west (especially Connemara and Achill). However, the Irish War of Independence (1919–1921) caused major disruptions: bridges were blown up, track was sabotaged, and rolling stock destroyed. Following Irish independence, railway consolidation was inevitable. In 1925, under the Railways Act (Saorstát Éireann), the MGWR was merged into the Great Southern Railways (GSR), along with several other Irish companies. The GSR rationalised routes, and some MGWR lines (especially rural branches) saw declining traffic or closure. During World War II (“The Emergency”), shortages of coal and maintenance made operations difficult and many rural services were suspended. After nationalisation in 1945, MGWR’s remaining lines became part of Córas Iompair Éireann (CIÉ), the national transport company. Many branch lines were closed from the 1950s–1980s due to declining passenger numbers and the rise of motor vehicles. The Navan–Kingscourt: passenger services ended in 1947; freight continued into the 2000s. After many years of disuse, the route from Navan to Kingscourt was developed as an outdoor amenity for cyclists, runners and walkers. Along its path, it passes through or near several villages: Wilkinstown, Castletown Kilpatrick, Nobber, and Kilmainhamwood. Each of these lends character to the route and provides access for local people. Most of the trail is segregated and traffic-free (around 98%). This means that pedestrians, cyclists and families can use it without concern for road traffic along most of the route. Gypsum and Kingspan in Kingscourt Gypsum has been part of Kingscourt’s history for well over a century, from early small-scale mining in the mid-19th century, through estate-based operations (e.g. Shirley Estate), to large-scale industrial extraction by Gyproc. The Kingscourt/Knocknacran deposit is geologically rich, with two major seams, and gypsum from the region has supplied plasterboard, agricultural, and cement sectors. Transport by rail was key historically, though since 2001 road transport has replaced many of the rail routes. Environmental and safety issues (subsidence, sinkholes, community impact) have been part of the story, leading to stricter oversight and new planning. Today, the gypsum industry remains important locally, both economically and industrially, with active mines and processing, as well as moves towards greater sustainability. Kingspan Group was founded in 1965 by Eamon Loughran, an entrepreneur from the Kingscourt area. The name Kingspan is derived from the town of Kingscourt, reflecting its deep roots in the local community. The company began as a small, family-run business specializing in building materials, with a particular focus on insulation products. In the early days, Kingspan was mainly known for producing expanded polystyrene (EPS) boards, which are used in a variety of construction applications, particularly for thermal insulation. However, the company’s success was driven by its ability to innovate and expand into other areas of building technology. Kingspan made a name for itself in the insulation market through continuous investment in research and development. As energy efficiency and the environmental impact of buildings became a global concern, Kingspan responded by creating more advanced insulation products. The company developed a wide range of high-performance insulation solutions, including Kingspan Insulated Panels and Kingspan Kooltherm – a phenolic insulation product that is now regarded as one of the most efficient insulations available. These products quickly gained a reputation for their superior thermal performance, helping to improve energy efficiency in buildings around the world. Battle of the Boyne The Battle of the Boyne (1690) The Battle of the Boyne took place on July 11 1690 near the River Boyne just outside Drogheda. It was part of the Williamite War in Ireland, fought between the forces of King James II of England and Ireland (a Catholic) and King William III of England (also known as William of Orange, a Protestant). James II was the next in line to the throne after the death of Chares II. But influential English politicians and aristocrats invited William of Orange to invade England because of King James II's promotion of Roman Catholicism, which alienated many Protestants and sought to undermine their power and prestige. Ironically James II's daughter was married to King William of Orange. When William landed on the English south coast with this army, James retreated rather than face the battle head on. He retreated to Ireland where he had strong support from the Irish Catholic forces. The forces met at the Boyne river in County Meath in Ireland. William's army of 37,000 men was better trained and better equipped. The battle was fought near the Boyne River in Ireland, with William leading an army of approximately 37,000 soldiers against James's approximately 23,000 troops. James II retreated from the battle as he feared being outflanked and trapped by William's better-equipped army, and ultimately ordered a withdrawal to preserve his forces. While significant, it was not the final battle of the war, which was ultimately decided at the Battle of Aughrim and the subsequent Treaty of Limerick. The Battle of Aughrim was fought on July 12, 1691. It was the decisive battle of the war, taking place near the village of Aughrim in County Galway. Following his retreat at the Boyne, James II fled to France, leaving his Irish army under the command of General Patrick Sarsfield, a prominent Irish Catholic leader. The Williamite forces, led by Commander Godert de Ginkel, continued their campaign to decisively end Irish resistance. At Aughrim, the battle was fierce and bloody, with heavy casualties on both sides. The Irish forces fought bravely but were outnumbered and outmaneuvered. The Williamite forces were able to break the Irish lines after a series of well-coordinated flanking maneuvers. The battle resulted in a decisive Williamite victory. The aftermath of the battle marked the collapse of the Irish resistance and James II's efforts to regain the throne and solidified Protestant dominance in Ireland.. Following Aughrim, James II's supporters retreated into County Clare, and with their eventual surrender in the Treaty of Limerick (signed in October 1691), the Williamite forces effectively secured control of Ireland. The treaty allowed Irish Catholics to maintain some religious freedom but marked the end of the Catholic-led political power in Ireland for generations. The Battle of Aughrim is seen as the final blow to James II's cause and a key moment in the struggle between Protestantism and Catholicism in Ireland during the late 17th century. The battle is still remembered in Irish history, though it is often overshadowed by the more famous Battle of the Boyne. The Battle of the Boyne is a significant event in Irish history and has had lasting religious and political ramifications, particularly for the Protestant-Catholic divide in Ireland. To this day, the battle is commemorated by the Protestant Orangemen in Northern Ireland, where the 12th of July is celebrated as the Orange Order's annual day.

Info Limerick Maps Limerick Travel Limerick Links Limerick Cafes Limerick Hire Limerick Gallery Limerick History Limerick Waterford Greenway Western Greenway Carlingford Portadown Royal Canal Greenway Grand Canal Greenway Mullingar - Athlone Barrow Way Greenway Sallins Greenway Boyne Valley Midleton - Youghal Suir Blueway Limerick Greenway Tralee Greenway Killarney Cycle Routes Limerick - Listowel Greenway

Info Boyne Valley Maps Boyne Valley Travel Boyne Valley Links Boyne Valley Cafes Boyne Valley Hire Boyne Valley Gallery Boyne Valley History Boyne Valley Waterford Greenway Western Greenway Carlingford Portadown Royal Canal Greenway Grand Canal Greenway Mullingar - Athlone Barrow Way Greenway Sallins Greenway Boyne Valley Midleton - Youghal Suir Blueway Limerick Greenway Tralee Greenway Killarney Cycle Routes Boyne Valley Links Discover Ireland Discover Boyne Valley Navan Cycling Initiative Discover Ireland Ireland.com

Info Western Map Western Travel Western Links Western Cafes Western Hire Western Gallery Western History Western Waterford Greenway Western Greenway Carlingford Portadown Royal Canal Greenway Grand Canal Greenway Mullingar - Athlone Barrow Way Greenway Sallins Greenway Boyne Valley Midleton - Youghal Suir Blueway Limerick Greenway Tralee Greenway Killarney Cycle Routes Travel - Great Western Greenway The greenway starts in Westport town where the North Mall joins the Newport Road, see the image below. Travel to Westport can be made by train, bus or car. Westport is at the end of the main Dublin to Westport line via Tullamore and Athlone, see the Irish Rail Intercity Rail Map . This the best and easiest method if using public transport, see more details on the Travel/ Rail page here. Note that bikes can be carried on trains but remember to book in advance. Those travelling by bus can use the Transport For Ireland (TFI) website or download the TFI app to find bus services. There is no direct Expressway service to Westport. Travelers could use the Expressway or CityLink services to Castlebar and then take the Bus Eireann 440 route from Castlebar to Westport, see also the Travel/ Road page here. Those travelling to Ireland by Air can access the Travel/ Air page here or Travel/ Sea page here. There is ample accommodation, bars and restaurants in Westport as it is a tourist town. It is a very vibrant town and can be very busy in summer time. The starting point of the greenway in Westport is shown in the map and image below. One can cycle on the main Newport Road but it has a steep hill and heavy traffic so best use the back pathway as described here. Start at point A on the map, past the Westport Library, follow the signs for the Greenway and continue on the path at the side of the Lidl shopping Centre. This path joins the Pinewoods Road and leads to the Newport Road, see Point B on the map. There is a cycle lane on the Newport Road which leads to the greenway, proper a few hundred metres ahead. Use Streetview if necessary to view the actual physical locations. Accessing the Greenway in Westport Care should be taken cycling through Newport as cyclists share the road with vehicular traffic. It is a distance of about 1.5Kms, see the map below. Special care is required if children are part of the group. Those hiring bikes from can generally return the bikes at other locations other than their starting location from some bike hire companies. Please see the Hire & Repair page here . Buses (Route 450) to and from Westport to Achill, via Newport and Mulranny are available from the Bus Eireann website here. Also tickets for buses can be bought on the TFI Go app. See more details on how to find transport links and buy tickets for buses on the Travel/ Road page here. The page provides details on the carriage of bikes on buses. In general bikes can be carried on all high-carriage buses as they have luggage space, low-carriage buses have no means of carrying bikes. You can also check with the operator. The Route 450 bus runs around Clew Bay from Lousiburgh to Westport on the southern end and on to Achill Island with its final destination at the west of the island at Dooagh. The official greenway ends just before the bridge to Achill island in the village of Achill Sound. The 450 Bus runs to Dooagh at the west of the island.